Kevin Pietersen begins 'reintegration' with England after being named in the squad to tour India

Kevin Pietersen has been left out of the England squad since the South Africa text message debacle

Kevin Pietersen has been added to England's squad for the forthcoming tour of India, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced.

The batsman was initially overlooked as the controversy over his exclusion from the side earlier in the summer continued.

Pietersen was dropped for the third Test against South Africa in August amid allegations he sent text messages to opposing players criticising his then captain Andrew Strauss.

The 32-year-old apologised for sending the messages earlier this month and signed a new ECB central contract after agreeing to enter a "reintegration" process with the team.

Having now met with team director Andy Flower, new Test captain Alastair Cook and other senior players to discuss the matter, the governing body are now happy to confirm his return.

"The meetings were constructive and cordial and all outstanding issues have been resolved." - ECB

The ECB's managing director for England cricket, Hugh Morris, said: "We were keen that Kevin should hold a series of face-to-face meetings with team management and senior players before the Test squad departs for the UAE and India next week.

"The meetings were constructive and cordial and all outstanding issues have been resolved.

"All the England players and management are now keen to draw a line under this matter and fully focus on the cricketing challenge that lies ahead in India."

England are due to play four Tests in India in November and December.

Pietersen will be added to a 16-man squad which includes uncapped batsmen Joe Root and Nick Compton.

ECB national selector Geoff Miller said: "We are pleased to welcome a player of Kevin's proven international calibre back into the Test squad for such an important Test series.

"As we anticipate that Ian Bell will return home for the birth of his first child around the time of the second Test in Mumbai, the team will benefit from having an extra batsman in the squad and all players who were originally selected for the tour will fly out as planned next week.

"Kevin will join up with the squad as soon as his Champions League commitments are complete."

Having returned to the UK earlier this week, Pietersen has now travelled back to South Africa to resume his Champions League duties with Delhi Daredevils.